Anarchist Knight:Apprentice

Chapter 7

Later, the High Priestess helped him to his feet and showed him a small bowl of oil and clay goblet of wine sitting on the altar. Moistening a finger in the oil she traced a symbol in the middle of his forehead where his third eye was located.

"I mark you with the triple sign."

"I consecrate you with oil."

Dipping her finger in the wine, she again drew a symbol on his forehead.

"I consecrate you with wine."

"I consecrate you with my lips," she said lastly and softly kissed him on the lips.

Then she handed Tobal a piece of paper. He recognized the Oath of the Apprentice written upon it.

"Now you must sign the oath you have just taken."

Tobal signed the paper as everyone cheered and applause erupted all around the circle. Looking around the circle for the first time, Tobal saw fifty or sixty people cheering and waving cups at him in celebration and congratulation. After the applause died down the High Priestess handed him a pair of gray woolen trousers.

"The color gray symbolizes the imperfections that are within each of us. As we strive toward the spiritual life these imperfections become harmless and as we accept them they in turn nourish our souls like the seed is nourished by the dark rich soil of the earth. Our imperfections help us to grow stronger if we use them wisely and learn from our mistakes."

She handed a sheathed knife and belt to him. "This is your true weapon. It symbolizes the mastery of thought and intent over the material world. As you learn the art of survival in the wilderness you will come to appreciate how important this simple tool can be. It will one day save your life. You will also use this tool in your dreams as your spirit grows stronger and is tested by your personal fears and demons."

As he buckled the belt and knife around his waist the High Priestess gave him a decorated wine skin filled with mead.

"This is the vessel of the Lady, the Holy Grail of immortality. From this we drink in friendship and in honor of them both. It is the emotional joys and pleasures of human companionship that make life deep and rewarding. It is in sharing our lives with others we find purpose and reward. Life is an eternal celebration and it must be celebrated with others lest we find ourselves alone and unloved."

"These are the tools of the Apprentice. In the second degree you will learn other mysteries."

Then taking her own knife in hand she said, "Brother Oak, to learn you must suffer and be purified. Are you willing to suffer in order to learn?"

"Yes," Tobal answered.

Gripping his right thumb the High Priestess expertly made a small cut. "You signed the oath with a pencil but your Higher Self signs with the blood of your life."

She took his bleeding thumb and placed it on top of his signature. Then both she and the High Priest placed a drop of their own blood over his saying, "I know you as a beloved brother. Our blood is forever mingled. I will defend and help you according to my Higher conscience and Higher Self to the best of my ability."

She gazed intently into his eyes, "Look at this oath that you have signed, witnessed by your Higher Self."

Turning she stepped and threw it into the bonfire. He started as the paper burst furiously into flames. She continued, "As a symbolic act this paper is consumed and purified by the flame of the bonfire until nothing is left but your pure intent. So also in reality may all levels of your being find their true place in the transforming fire of the Lord and Lady that are both found within your own heart. Your commitment and oath is between you and the Lord and Lady. It is not a matter for us. This simple act is a token and symbol of your desire to live in the spiritual light and to be purified in mind, body and spirit."

"Yet, this is not enough," she continued.

She took his wine skin and drank from it before offering it to him. "Truly the powers of your higher self flow ever into your being and if you are open to the process your life will be changed forever. Let the chalice of your soul freely receive the wine of your spirit and experience divine intoxication thereby."

At her gesture Tobal lifted the wine skin and drank the mead. It seemed to glow in the fire light as if it were full of some vital energy that had a life of it's own. He felt the warmth and energy spread through him warmly bursting with energy and love. As the golden fluid poured down his throat into his stomach he could feel the warmth grow until he was standing in a large ball of energy and spiritual light.

Then the High Priest and High Priestess both placed their hands on his head invoking the highest power of the Lord and Lady. The energy poured into him sealing his initiation forever.

The High Priestess said, "I now salute you in the name of the Lord and Lady." Turning, she led him to each of the four smaller fires at each quarter of the circle and proclaimed loudly at each station.

"Brother Oak has been consecrated Apprentice of our ancient craft and is become a Child of the Lord and Lady."

As she finished the entire circle came forward in a wild celebration and swept over Tobal. The party had begun.

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